Joy; the Blog {Joyful Photography}

BIG NEWS--I've Moved!!!

2011-03-19T22:43:00.002-05:00

This is my last post at this web address! Please make note and follow me

over here---> http://www.joyfulphoto.com/blog

See you there!!! :)

.Max.

2011-03-15T22:59:00.002-05:00

Sweet Max. I was so happy to be contacted by Max's mom, to help him document turning one. One round little man + stylish newsboy cap + two adoring parents = one happy me! What a gorgeous family...inside and out! Here is your sneak peek--I hope you love what you see!

Hannah [2011 Senior, Part II]

2011-02-28T18:30:00.002-06:00

You may remember the sweet and beautiful Hannah from the first part of her senior session, which you can view HERE. Hannah decided to do the first half of her senior pictures last summer, and the other half during the winter, with snow! I loved the idea. Winter is her favorite season, and I must say she is lovely in it.

Enjoy this sneak peek from our session, Hannah...the rest is not too far away.

Good luck in your future endeavors--the sky is your limit!

Baby 'D' Sneak Peek!

2011-02-24T23:01:00.006-06:00

Seriously--don't you just love him!? His mamma drives a long way for me to take his pictures. I have the best clients, for real. I have been photographing this little guy since he was one week old. (Before that actually--his mom's maternity photos!) He is a "Watch Me Grow" babe. (If you want to know more about the Watch Me Grow package, and to find out how it could save you some moola, contact me!)

Enjoy this sneak peek!

2010 {Recap}

2011-02-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

So, I couldn't possibly shove all of my favorite images of 2010 into one itty bitty slide show, so I picked sort of willy nilly. All of these images make me smile, for one reason or another. Thank you to my wonderful family, my friends, clients and supporters. This is for you. (Btw, I know it is February, and most good little girls post these things around New Years. *ahem* Isn't that part of my charm??)

♥ Zoey Jane ♥

2011-01-06T21:08:00.003-06:00

This is my darling girl. Today she turned four. {Today is also my hubby and I's ten year anniversary! ♥}

I put this slide show together to honor her and the way she lights up our lives each and every day. Happy birthday, my big brown eyed super princess.

Keep shining.

.post Christmas post.

2010-12-28T16:30:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone's Christmas was Merry and Bright. Ours was! I am still basking in the afterglow. I am still enjoying my family, but will soon be posting away. I have new sessions and old sessions to share, news, and the best of 2010 post coming up.

I leave you with a couple of shots of my youngest on Christmas Eve. (Because what is a post without pictures??) There isn't anything like the relationship between a youngster and a Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve, is there?

.Life in a Snowglobe.

2010-12-20T00:23:00.003-06:00

Eeek! I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving! Well, jingle bells. To make up for that, I am going to blog a few faves from a recent session in the snow.

Meet the 'M' family. I met them at a beautiful location on a chilly afternoon, and it started snowing. As our session went along, it snowed harder and harder. It was gorgeous. As was this sweet family of six. {I am partial to families of six!}

What I love most is that these folks are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.

I hope all of you are enjoying this holiday season, and remember to take a deep breath, slow down and soak up the ones you love.

[PS--the mamma here is the owner of the one and only Yum-Yum Shoppe, a wonderful company specializing in fresh-baked bath and body goods. I personally use these products and they are where it's at!! Go check her out.]

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T00:39:00.002-06:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

{my little ones and I had lots of fun making these pilgrim hat cookies! Enjoy your holiday. ♥}

My Family [and then there were six]

2010-11-15T20:30:00.005-06:00

Photographed by my dear friend and colleague, Megan Rogers. Can I just say that I am way more comfortable on the other side of the camera--aaaaand pictures for a family of SIX can be quite an adventure! ;)

A family of SIX some of you might say? I will fill you in. Many of you know about our journey with Kristie's adoption, the girl in the brown jacket vest, but may not know that her younger sister (the girl in the orange vest) moved in with us just last October. We are very pleased to announce that we will be adopting both girls, and couldn't be more thrilled.

Not just any senior... [2011]

2010-11-04T00:47:00.005-05:00

This post is near and dear to my heart. Meet my brother, Des (Desmond.)

He is strong.

Desmond lives with Schizophrenia. If you or anyone you know suffer from this disease, you know how debilitating it can be. It affects about 1 in every 100 adults, and childhood onset of schizophrenia, which is much more rare, affects about 1 in every 40,000 children. Desmond is one of those kids. He is also a handsome 18 year old senior in high school who loves music, lifting weights, and skateboarding. He takes medication in an effort to control his symptoms, but the world is often still a dark and frightening place to him.

I love and admire him so. His Faith. His Strength. His Hope. His bright outlook on life. We can all learn something from him.

Des, I hope you and mom enjoy this sneak peek. More to come. Much love. xoxo

Kacie [2011 senior]

2010-10-25T00:34:00.002-05:00

Kacie grabbed this shoot by the horns! I loved her sense of style and bubbly personality. She loved the camera and the camera loved her back. I hope you love what you see, Kacie! Keep grabbing life by the horns!

It all started...

2010-10-21T00:43:00.002-05:00

when these two people fell in love:

They created this beautiful family together...

...and I am so glad to be a little part of their story!

♥ family ♥

2010-10-17T20:48:00.003-05:00

How I loved working with this sweet family! We literally shot right in between thunderstorms...it was even raining on the way there! Makes for some pretty light though!

Carlee [2011 Senior]

2010-10-15T00:11:00.002-05:00

Meet Carlee. She was up for anything, and it shows in her photos. What a lovely girl! May you shine in all you do, Carlee! Enjoy.

Baby 'L'

2010-10-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

The last time I saw this little Miss, she was knee-high to a grasshopper! Now she is a whole six months old, and couldn't be cuter. ♥

can you say sweet?

2010-10-04T13:46:00.004-05:00

This lovely family is no stranger to this blog. These sweet children are so dear to me! I really feel like I've watched them grow up. :)

I will let the photos do the rest of the talking.

{PS--this blog post is brought to you via peeking around and over boxes. My family moved on Saturday, and we are in the thick of unpacking! Woot!}

{ I LOVE these real life moments: }

.sisters.

2010-09-18T00:56:00.002-05:00

How lucky am I? Two lovely little princesses twirling in the golden hour of sunlight:

. newbie .

2010-08-31T00:43:00.005-05:00

When I photographed this guy, he had only been Earthside about a week! You might recognize his lovely mother and older brothers from previous posts. I recently shot mom's maternity session. {scroll down a bit...}

Here is a sneak peek for you, mom! The rest are soon to follow. Enjoy.

{ I just had to snap a photo of this...it was hung up in the nursery. TOTAL Sweetness. }

Hannah [2011 Senior-- Part I]

2010-08-26T01:10:00.003-05:00

Another stunning 2011 senior. Seriously--I have the best job in the world! Hannah, you're the real deal. The world is better because you are in it. I love that you are as beautiful inside as you are out; the future holds many shiny things for you!

Enjoy your photos! I'll see you in a few months for the second half of your session--in the snow!

Katelyn [2011 Senior]

2010-08-20T17:40:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile since I have encountered someone of this age, that is so full of beauty and so comfortable with who they are. Katelynn, it was absolutely my pleasure to meet you, and I hope that you love your images as much as I did. The future is yours, my dear!!

Summer Recap, 2010 {family}

2010-08-17T21:41:00.003-05:00

On a personal note, this summer flew by so quickly! I kept quite busy with clients, as well as my son's sixth birthday and our family vacation making it memorable.

Here is a photo summary of my sixth year old's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. (I know, I know--but he BEGGED us to have it there!) Ü

Any 'Nightmare Before Christmas' fans in the house?? My kids LOVE this movie. Hence; the cake.

A fun time was had by all!

Next up, a very small photo sampling of our family vacation to Omaha, Nebraska. (It is merely a tiny fraction of the 403 vacation pictures I brought home...yikes.)

We had a wonderful time at the spectacular Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, yummy restaurants, homemade ice cream parlors, The Childrens' Museum, and Omaha's lovely Botanical Gardens. (<---this is where mamma went a little camera crazy. Ü)

Best of all, I got to soak up these people. ♥

Coming soon...many sneak peeks and some recent sessions! xo

blush

2010-08-15T23:27:00.003-05:00

Pssssst, check out today's 'Sunday Spotlight' for a local Parenting Blog. :)

Topeka Parents Blog <--------Click Here

some recent bellies...

2010-08-14T20:22:00.007-05:00

I know, I know--you weren't sure if I was dead or alive! This summer has been so. insanely. busy. I am sorry for being such a bad blogger as of late! I am back.

I have SO MUCH to share with you, dear readers.

Tonight, however; I am choosing to share a couple of recent maternity sessions with you.

Meet Amy; she is a dear, long time client of mine. She very recently welcomed her third little boy into the world since these photos were taken. I am excited to get him in front of my lens, next week. I will be seeing him often over the next year; as he is a new member of the 'Watch Me Grow' baby club. (It's where all the cool babes hang out!)

Next up, the lovely Kristen. There is nothing quite like expecting your first child, and it is proven by her glow. These were some favorites from our time together.

Stay tuned for a summer recap, beautiful babies, seniors, and much much more!

Puppy-Love

2010-07-12T12:54:00.003-05:00

Meet Jeremy. He is responsible for the rockin' new slideshow flash header here on the blog. Also in these photos are his pup, his girlfriend, and her pup. When working with kanines...it is always an adventure! However, I'm happy we walked away with these shots. Enjoy your sneak peek, guys! (and I LOVE the header!) Ü

.dear ones.

2010-07-05T13:37:00.003-05:00

This family has graced my blog before. This is one of my dearest friends and most long-time clients. (and her beautiful family!) Her kiddos sure love the camera and the camera loves them back!

GreeblePix

2010-06-24T14:52:00.003-05:00

I am a very happy June GreeblePix Finalist! (a prestigious, online photo contest) Please vote for me, if you like my photo! I would really appreciate your votes!!

www.greeblemonkey.com

{3} Gigglin' Girls...

2010-06-11T23:21:00.003-05:00

Cute girls, cute clothes. These kiddos are extremely lucky to have a mother with such talent! Jesse, of 3 Gigglin' Girls is as sweet to work with as she is talented. She made her daughters' outfits just for this photoshoot! If you or someone you know is looking for some seriously cute girl threads, you need to check her out.

I recently did a session with the girls, and this is a sneak peek for their mom. Enjoy! (more to come.)

.siblings.

2010-06-09T14:21:00.004-05:00

I am behind in making this blog post...but it is so worth the wait! I loved working with this darling family. They were a referral from a long time client of mine. Yay for word of mouth! They also made a bit of a drive for these photos...and for that I am thankful.

How sweet are they? Thank you 'J' family! I hope you love your photos.

Baby K ~ { sneak peek }

2010-06-08T15:36:00.007-05:00

One month...what a milestone! I was so thrilled when a friend and colleague of mine asked me to take her new baby boy's one month photos. Isn't he the sleepiest, sweetest little darling? And smiles to boot!

Enjoy your sneak peek mom and dad...more to come!

My birthday boy...

2010-06-06T21:16:00.006-05:00

is SIX today! This is big big stuff, people. I awoke EARLY this morning to a finger lightly tapping my cheek: "It's morning mommy...the sky is blue and the sun is out. And I'm SIIIIXX!!"

To honor and commemorate this milestone in my son's life, we both sat down and I interviewed him earlier this afternoon. This is what he shared with me:

Me: What do you like most about yourself, Noah?

Noah: I like my healing powers. When I hurt my eye it got better so fast! That is amazing.

Me: What would you like to be when you grow up?

Noah: I would really like to be an author.

Me: Oh? What kinds of things will you write?

Noah: a bunch of kids stories; the kind that grownups read to kids.

Me: What is your favorite thing to do?

Noah: I like video games and dressing up.

Me: What is your favorite color?

Noah: I love all the colors but mostly green.

Me: favorite food?

Noah: Chinese! I think I might be Chinese.

Me: favorite movie?

Noah: The Princess and the Frog! I love the music in that movie.

Me: What did you like most about kindergarten?

Noah: Lunch.

Me: What did you like the least about Kindergarten?

Noah: Messing up on my dot-to-dots.

Me: What is the hardest thing you've ever done?

Noah: Mario Cart is really hard...and also being brave around wasps and bees.

Me: What would you do with $100?

Noah: I would keep it in my piggy bank.

Me: If you could have one wish, what would it be?

Noah: ...to stay with my family forever.

Me: What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Noah: Mrs. Guenther (best kindergarten teacher EVER) helped comfort me when I hurt my head at recess.

Me: If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Noah: How do you exist if noone made you?

There you have it...a small peek into the heart of my Noah. I am quite convinced he is a little old man in a child's body sometimes.

Stay tuned for pictures from the grand birthday party and his "Nightmare Before Christmas" themed cake!

Please view the slide show below...celebrating my new six year old. Happy birthday sweet boy. You are loved.

2011 Senior Reps...

2010-05-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

These guys have agreed to unabashedly plug me to all of their senior friends, in exchange for snapping a few photos of them. That is sort-of how being a senior rep works...if you or someone you know is interested in learning more details, contact me.

They are all good friends, and had great chemistry in front of the camera. Loved this group!

Cuteness all a {round}...

2010-05-20T21:15:00.005-05:00

The last time I saw this lovely lady, I was taking pictures of her little boy at only a couple of weeks old. I also took pregnancy photos when she was pregnant with her little guy. Now, the family will be welcoming baby girl soon. I love my job.

How beautiful are they, anyway?!

Angel { 2010 Senior }

2010-05-17T17:01:00.002-05:00

Look out world! Angel, I wish you the absolute best in all of your endeavors. Enjoy your photos!

~S

{sweet} Baby B...

2010-05-16T09:25:00.003-05:00

So sleepy and sweet was this precious six week old I recently had the pleasure of working with...

I hope to see you and your family again, sweet baby girl!

Mother's Day Mini Session faves!

2010-05-09T18:21:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those moms out there!

What better way to celebrate than with some of my favorite shots from the Mother's Day Mini's weekend a couple of weeks back!

We had some serious cuteness going on. To all that made it out and helped make it a huge success, thank you!

Meet Miss Lucy {a photojournalistic birth story}

2010-04-22T21:07:00.004-05:00

Birth. Photography. Two of my most favorite things!

I am always humbled and amazed when someone asks me to photograph their birth. That kind of trust during such an intimate time is profound. This little niche of the industry is still a bit misunderstood. For more information about birth photography, please contact me. www.joyfulphoto.com

Push the 'play' button below to view Miss Lucy's entrance into the world just two days ago.

{14}

2010-04-11T10:15:00.005-05:00

Do you remember 14? 14 is a space in time when you are part child, part grown-up, part sloth, part eating machine, part rebel, part romantic, part..well, you get the idea.

I caught these photos of my foster daughter recently, and they remind me of how playful/childlike she can be, yet how poignant, and grown up she is at the same time.

I could snap photos of her all day, and not grow tired of it.

Mother's Day Mini Sessions {2010}

2010-04-05T20:32:00.008-05:00

'N' Family sneak peek.

2010-04-01T23:34:00.003-05:00

I love this family. I have been photographing them since their oldest was just a couple of weeks old. Now, he is a spunky two year old and has a sister--and is she ever sweet! N family, it is always a pleasure. Enjoy your sneak peek--I hope you love them. I will be in touch soon!

H is for 'hunka-hunka' sweet baby...

2010-03-23T14:38:00.004-05:00

I have had the enormous pleasure of photographing Miss H's family for some time now. This last time--it was her turn to shine! I so enjoyed seeing you and your mommy again, Miss H! Let's play again soon.

{our story}

2010-03-17T17:39:00.005-05:00

The great ladies over at I ♥ Faces, and the fantabulous Amy Wenzel, have teamed up to offer such an amazing and generous gift. All they ask is that I share my story. Share how I may be an inspiration to others. Sounds easy enough, right? Almost immediately, I decided "Well--there goes that. Not a chance. Who wants to hear my story? I don't see myself as much of an inspiration...who would really care?"

Then, I thought of her. I thought of her, and I kept coming back to write this post, until finally, my heart was moved to do so.

This picture was taken a few months after Miss K (for privacy purposes) moved into our home. In her 13 years, she has seen some very dark places. Her mother passed away of Cancer when she was only nine years old, and through this time she has seen several foster homes. K is our first foster child. She is completely Deaf. Our primary mode of communication is American Sign Language. (Besides photographer, one of my other 'labels' is sign language interpreter, so this works. Ü) She is such an amazing young lady. She is vivacious, kind, gentle, and has such an amazing gift with animals and young children.

Many people asked me why I would take on such a thing--being that I already work two jobs (owning my own business, then a "day job"), and having two wonderful buggars of my own already to focus on. To tell the truth, these two were a large portion of why my husband and I decided to go for it.

We felt that while it is wonderful to talk to our children about kindness and helping others, it is even better for them to see us do it. Live it. Live deeply. So, when this opportunity arose, we felt called--and blessed for the opportunity to share the love that we have found, with someone less fortunate. This experience has made us reach deeply inward, and give parts of ourselves away, that truthfully we didn't even know were there. Even my children have had to share more of their parents, and learn a new language. Also, there is a large difference between 'working' with Deaf people, and LIVING with one. (and more so parenting one!) Interpreting at doctor's appointments, plays, movies that we attend as a family, etc. etc. took some getting used to.

Then, there was, and is, the business of mending. A heart that has seen so much darkness has some barriers to break through, before letting itself love again. I know this well. In my life, there has also been darkness. I know what it is like to be a frightened child that carries around a lot of hurt. But, the blessings that I now behold each day upon waking, sometimes literally take my breath away. I will hold her hand, and show her that the world is not all darkness. We can find the light together.

One day, I hope to jump off and make photography my full time job. I am on the cusp of it...I can almost taste it. Right now though, I need a day job--interpreting--to pay a chunk of the bills. I think that sitting in on Amy's workshop would help me realize this goal. What a blessing this would be! It would mean doing my dream job every single day, and spending more precious time with my family.

Thank you for reading about this journey. And, if you haven't, please consider fostering or adoption.

Bree [ 2010 Senior ]

2010-03-14T23:36:00.004-05:00

What fun you were in front of the camera! Such a trooper too...it was COLD. Here is the sneak peek...hope you love them!

{sickie-poo}

2010-03-09T23:52:00.003-06:00

Poor thing. My baby girl has been sick the last several days. {see below}

Just today, she has started to turn a corner. (Albeit she is still fairly miserable...) The ONLY thing I like about her being sick, is the time off I get to spend with her. Today, we had a tea party complete with fancy shoes, Daisy the puppy, and real tea. I think it made us both feel a little better. ♥

He can read. He can write.

2010-02-25T16:23:00.004-06:00

** Eeeek! I feel like it's been ages since I've blogged. Remember when I rebranded? (new logo, site overhaul, new look to the blog, etc...) Well, changes are comin' once again to the blog! Please be patient with me as I move things around over the next couple of weeks...) **

So. Remember this guy?? My kindergartner?

Well, suddenly, or not so suddenly {I'm not sure} he can read. He can write. He can make detailed drawings. He knows the Latin word for cold and lion and sun.

But mostly, he LOVES to write. He writes notes to his daddy and I when he is happy, when he's sad, when he's mad. Often we find a Noah height note on his bedroom door that says 'Closed' when he is busy playing. He tells me when he grows up he will write books. I love it.

Recently, he wrote a little book. It was a book about a brother and sister monkey, and their terribly messy room. {Imagine!!} With my help, he stapled it together, and he also illustrated it. Other children can actually check it out from their library at his school. How cute is that?

Noah, I love you, and I hope that someday you grow up and write many books. Dedicate one to your ole' mom, won't you?

Will you be mine? {Valentine}

2010-02-14T14:00:00.004-06:00

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” ~A.A. Milne

This was the picture I sent out on our Valentines last year. (The weather would NOT cooperate for one this year!) Happy Love Day everybody.

...........

2010-02-02T23:41:00.008-06:00

Don't you hear it? she asked...

& I shook my head no & then she started to dance...

& suddenly there was music everywhere & it went on for a very long time & when I finally found words all I could say was thank you.

~Storypeople

Nom, nom, nom......

2010-01-28T23:06:00.005-06:00

This cute little guy + pizza + happy grins = one happy photographer!

I took these in honor of Mr. L's first birthday, earlier in the month. Pizza is his favorite food...so why not go downtown to Papa Keno's--who happens to have the best pizza in Kansas??

Here is a sneak peek, mom. Hope you love them!

Pssst...

2010-01-24T00:29:00.001-06:00

Check it out! {BEST wedding entrance evah...}

http://www.redbarnweddingphotography.blogspot.com/

{ Birthday Bash }

2010-01-19T21:55:00.005-06:00

You only turn three once, you know.

How do you like these beautiful new 'Blog It' templates by The Album Cafe? I think I'm in love!

{ Heartache }

2010-01-13T21:11:00.004-06:00

If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill

Please continue to pray for those suffering in Haiti, and everywhere.

For those of you looking for a place to donate to the victims of the Haiti earthquake, please visit: www.worldvision.org

{ 3 } one of my own

2010-01-06T22:03:00.009-06:00

Happy birthday to my firecracker, lovebug, snugglepuppy.

And yes--this means another slide show! It will be worth it, honest. (It features Johnny Cash and, well, lots of sweetness!)

Zoey's Third Birthday Slideshow <----click here

And, in case you haven't seen it, go check out the 19 absolute best things you can say to your kiddos over HERE.

2009 { recap }

2010-01-01T01:58:00.004-06:00

Joyful Photography is bringing in the new year with a new look, both here, and on the main website! Be sure to go check it out! Thank you SO much to the talented Jennifer of Jennifer Allison Designs!!

I've also put together a slide show of images (personal and some session faves) to celebrate 2009. It was no easy task! Picking four minutes worth of photos out of literally thousands and thousands proved difficult.

At any rate, happy new year!! I will leave you with an Irish blessing that seems fitting to me for bringing in 2010:

“May God grant you always...a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”

And to everyone who helped make my 2009 magic...thank you.

Click this link to view slide show

PLEASE EXCUSE THE MESS.........

2009-12-31T00:36:00.001-06:00

The old blogaroo is under construction! Please check back soon!

Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-24T17:01:00.003-06:00

...from me and mine to you and yours. Keep safe, stay warm, be happy!

{S} Family...Let the Good Times Roll

2009-12-19T09:44:00.003-06:00

This family hadn't been all together for a photo in several years...so I was happy when Athena (isn't that a beautiful name?!) asked me to take some family shots while they were all in town for the holidays.

What a fun and energetic family! Good times!! Thank you {S} family, I hope you love them...

the fastest session ever....

2009-12-13T21:18:00.003-06:00

seriously...I think it was eight minutes long!

I love this family--some of my husband and I's oldest friends. I wanted to gift them with some Christmas card photos this year. Lynette and I got a bit carried away at the mall {sans kiddos} and well...we arrived back home at the very, VERY tail-end of daylight. However...the light was kinda cool and they are such a loving family--sweetness oozes out of their photos. So--thanks {F} family for making my job so easy! ♥

She LOVES. THIS. BUNNY. Ü

Sneak Peek { H } Family

2009-12-04T00:17:00.004-06:00

This darling family has graced this blog before. However, there is a new face in the crowd! Two brothers and their mom and dad warmly welcome a baby girl to the family. Of course, a new family photo was in order! Enjoy your sneak peek guys--lots more to follow!

Itty Bitty Sneaky Peeky......

2009-11-30T23:33:00.003-06:00

for a friend and her darling son!

It was a chilly day, but the love between this mother and son duo warmed my heart. Enjoy your sneak peek guys! Lots more to come. ♥

and a fun snap for good measure...

[ D ] Family Sneak Peek....

2009-11-25T00:35:00.004-06:00

Seriously...what a stunning family. They were so much fun! Grandma and grandpa also came along and were good at getting giggles behind the scenes.

Enjoy your sneak peek, D family. There's lots more to come!

Mary Elizabeth [2010 Senior]

2009-11-22T21:33:00.006-06:00

Oh how I love photographing seniors!! What a special time of life. This young lady has a bright, bright future in store for her. She has an amazing sense of who she is, an amazing smile, and an even better laugh! I loved the rural locations that she had already chosen. (They looked at my shoes I wore to the shoot, and laughed by the way! Let's just say I should have worn work boots...except I don't have any...)

Mary Elizabeth, enjoy your sneak peek. There are many more to come! Have a spectacular year.

{ K } Family sneak peek...

2009-11-21T23:48:00.005-06:00

It was COLD--but what troopers they were! Because it was so cold, this ended up being more of a mini session. I think despite that we got several great shots! Aren't they a beautiful family??

Enjoy your sneak peek, guys. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Sneak Peek , [ W ] Siblings

2009-11-18T00:18:00.004-06:00

They wanted downtown, grungy, and urban. I think we nailed it with the location. It was super-fun working with you all. Enjoy your sneak peek! I hope you love them.

Can I get a "woot! woot!!"

2009-11-16T00:23:00.010-06:00

I was so thrilled when Angie of I ♥ Faces asked me to be a guest judge for this week. I ♥ Faces is a photography site focused on the art of capturing faces and their various emotions. Each week, people from across the world have the opportunity to enter their favorite face photos into a themed photo challenge. I will be judging from hundreds and hundreds of photos...with this week's theme being "Autumn Beauty." So, get on out of here, and go there. Read my special page and while you're there, why not enter!

A Birth Story...

2009-11-14T23:22:00.011-06:00

I love photographing births. I love birth. I am truly honored when someone chooses ME to be a part of such an intimate, earth shaking event.

When one of my good friends asked me to do this at her birth, I was thrilled, naturally. She and her husband are Deaf, so you will see an interpreter signing to her in some of the photos. Please click on the link below to get the whole experience!

TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW CLICK HERE

{W} Family Sneak Peek...

2009-11-13T00:18:00.004-06:00

This family is one of my dearest clients. I've been photographing their twin boys for some time. They are always a hoot!

W family, here is your sneak peek. I have been working very hard after the great Computer Crash, and the rest of your photos will be done very soon. Thank you for being so patient and sweet!

{ N } Children

2009-11-11T21:56:00.005-06:00

This brother and sister pair were so fun to work with! I couldn't get enough of their sweet smiles and the yummy light that day. I am also trying out some new actions from the Florabella Collection. I am in love!

Thanks 'N' family! Enjoy your photos. I hope you love them.

My Family! { and some other recent happenings }

2009-11-08T23:33:00.006-06:00

So--wanna know what happened last week??

My camera malfunctioned and needs to be sent in for warranty work, and we had a computer trauma known as "The Great Computer Catastrophe of 09" ... but after regaining my composure, ordering the new Canon 50d, and spending over 48+ hours rescuing and restoring my computer, everything is looking up.

Hmmm, what what else happened last week...oh yes! My dear friend and wedding colleague, Megan Rogers, took these shots of me and my family. Aaaand, in case you missed the memo, the oldest girl we are fostering--I did not suddenly have another child. (Well...maybe sort of.)

Here are a couple of recent shots that I took of my kiddos...

{ M } Family Sneak Peek...

2009-11-02T23:24:00.005-06:00

All of this happened...

...because these two people fell in love.

...and I am so happy they did. Lots more to come M family! I hope you like your sneak peek!

Jesse { 2010 Senior }

2009-10-28T23:49:00.003-05:00

Hitch your wagon to a star. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jesse, congrats on your long awaited senior year. I hope your blessings are many, and your troubles few.

It's people like you that make my job so easy! You were great to work with--enjoy your sneak peek. I hope you love them.

Cherished.

2009-10-25T23:22:00.006-05:00

"Are you a princess?" I said, & she said "I'm much more than a princess, but you don't have a name for it yet here on earth." ~Story People

Enjoy your sneak peek, my dear friends the H family! I am always blessed working with you.

Shelby { 2010 Senior }

2009-10-22T20:47:00.003-05:00

Take a good look. This young lady is a rock-star! This was my coldest shoot of the year so far...and she still rocked it. I am pretty sure that I complained far more than she did. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek, Shelby! There's more to come...

sister ²

2009-10-19T21:20:00.003-05:00

When I work with these two, I always walk away from the session wanting a sister! They make it look like such fun. Here is a mini sneak peek for you guys...enjoy!

Halloween Mini Session { gone fishin' }

2009-10-16T20:58:00.002-05:00

I have been shooting this little guy since he was his brand new sister's age. (2 weeks here!) It was my pleasure to have another session with him, and his adorable new little sister.

Congratulations again guys!

H Family { can you feel the love? }

2009-10-14T23:47:00.003-05:00

I can!

The love that this family has for one another is clear. I am honored to be the one chosen to help them illustrate it.

Sneak Peek for the B Family...

2009-10-13T23:50:00.004-05:00

I had a wonderful, wonderful time with you guys! Your little sweeties were a hoot. Enjoy the sneak peek....

Aren't they a handsome family?

This is what they did when I said "Get cheek to cheek!" How sweet are they?

Mmmm...candy corn!

Does yours taste like mine?? ♥

Happy Little Lady...

2009-10-13T20:21:00.002-05:00

That's what she was! I rarely meet children as young as she, so eager to have their pictures taken. She was all smiles and giggles. Anybody have Gap's number?

Halloween Mini Session { toot-tooooot! }

2009-10-12T16:44:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I am convinced that I get to work with the most adorable children ever. How could one argue??

Thanks again to all the kiddos and parents that make these mini sessions a success! More to come...

enjoying the 'sweet rewards' after rocking his photo shoot!

Halloween Mini Session { Baby N }

2009-10-11T01:11:00.002-05:00

Oh how I love one year olds! This little sweetie had just learned to walk two weeks before our shoot--so guess what I did--I chased! I also thought it was cute that she liked her hat, but didn't want to necessarily wear the hat. Enjoy the sneak peek mom!!

Halloween Mini Session (Ahoy Thar Me Harties!!!)

2009-10-09T14:43:00.005-05:00

Ok...that was my super poor attempt at Piratese. However; I may be excused once I show you these adorable twin pirates!! I always look forward to working with these little ones...they get me laughing every year!

Enjoy your sneak peek mom--lots more to come!

Three.

2009-10-09T09:18:00.004-05:00

Three is such a great age. Just ask this guy. I just loved his fun disposition, blonde hair and baby blue eyes.

Halloween Mini Session { Baby L }

2009-10-06T23:39:00.007-05:00

He was the cutest caterpillar you ever did see!

Seriously--this little guy had to be the happiest out of all my mini sessions last weekend. I just love his blue eyes, and just look at his costume! Here is a little sneak peek for his mom and dad. I will be featuring many more mini sessions over the next few days, so stay tuned!

These guys also decided to sneak in some family shots, which I love! Aren't they adorable?

There's still time!

2009-09-29T20:24:00.002-05:00

...to schedule your Halloween Mini Session. There are few slots left...grab them up!

Renaissance Festival '09

2009-09-25T19:50:00.003-05:00

We went, we saw, we ate, we played...

My Z girl loves Mermaids right now with a passion! I couldn't resist...

We met lots of interesting people...

We played in a fountain...

At Ren Fest swords and pirates are also bountiful, so my little guy was in heaven...

He also knows how to show a giant turkey leg who is boss.

I can't remember if these roses were metal or wax...but they are beautiful all the same.

This was the girls' favorite part of the trip...

If you are ever in the KC area during the months of September/October, I urge you to go! Good times.

Something to live by...

2009-09-21T17:06:00.007-05:00

"There are short-cuts to happiness; and dancing is one of them." ~Vicki Baum

This storyboard and quote are going up in the hubbs's office; per his request.

I have been so busy lately; with orders, editing (always editing!), mommy-ing and all the other demands of daily life. I promise I will be blogging more regularly very soon!

Stay tuned for some recent photos of our family trip to the Renaissance Festival. Ü

Just one good one for mommy? Please??

2009-09-06T01:44:00.010-05:00

I have often wondered why it is always so darn difficult for me to get a good photo of my own offspring!! Despite this fact, I think I obtained a few good ones today. Oh, and in case those that know me are confused or curious--no--I did not suddenly have another child. The oldest child we are fostering. I must say, she fits in with our crew pretty naturally! ♥ She's already friends with the camera.

Also, I offer special thanks to my sweet and ever patient husband, the slapstick comedian for the shoot.

Jordan {senior 2010}

2009-09-03T21:07:00.004-05:00

Meet Jordan. She is so self-aware for her young age--and is funny, beautiful, and has loads of charm.

I don't think I've ever laughed so much during a senior session. Thanks for making it fun, Jordan! Enjoy your sneak peek!

Seriously, how cute is she!?

The joy of boys... [sneak peek]

2009-09-01T22:40:00.003-05:00

I have worked with this precious family before--so I was thrilled to photograph these brothers again recently at a beautiful location. So cute!

Marissa {senior 2010}

2009-08-30T10:45:00.007-05:00

Ok...

so this young lady was so fun to shoot. She had a contagious giggle and bubbly personality...but could pull out her 'ferocious side' and serious melancholy on command!

We had fun walking around downtown and even stopped for a cotton candy treat.

World, watch out! This young lady is comin' through.

You may think it's early....

2009-08-25T23:16:00.005-05:00

but it's really not too early to be thinking about scheduling your Halloween mini session! These fill up fast and are such a blast! I will post this again closer to October, but wanted to get this out there so that all of you 'plan ahead' people can get the time slots you want.

Here are some fun faves from last year...

( there was a tortoise and a hare! ♥ )

Contact me today to book your Halloween mini session or for more info! Ü

Here we gooooo.....

2009-08-24T19:26:00.004-05:00

My firstborn went to the inevitable first day of kindergarten this morning. It is surreal. Wasn't it yesterday that he was so helpless in my arms and needed me for everything?

What made it easy for me though was his JOY. He was completely exuberant to go. The kid has been wearing a backpack and asking to go to school since he was like...two.

Of course, we took some quickie snapshots this morning on the way out the door:

"Thumbs up for school!"

striking a pose--as only he can... "check out my cool uniform!"

"I found my name!"

Here's to you, buddy. You came home talking about Monarch butterflies, gingerbread men, new friends, and all of the things you are going to learn this year. Mommy is SO proud of you, and loves you more than pink milk. ♥

Sneak Peek for the L Family!

2009-08-19T23:32:00.003-05:00

Thanks for being so sweet you guys! Your girls are amazing and it was fun working with you again...

The L family wanted updated family photos, since recently adding a new member to their clan. Their house is full of sugar and spice and everything nice......

Torrey { senior 2010 }

2009-08-16T00:45:00.004-05:00

This girl was so much fun. Full of spunk and up for anything! It was a pleasure working with you my dear--enjoy this sneak peek!

Sweet Sisters....

2009-08-09T20:16:00.006-05:00

These two little dollies couldn't possibly have been more fun. Here is a sneak peek for their mom and dad...

I have so many things that I need to get blogging about!

lots, lots, lots more to come. Ü

Levi { senior 2010 }

2009-08-05T00:07:00.005-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of working with this young man, who will graduate this year. Here is your sneak peek, Levi, and I think the future for you is a bright one!

Lovebirds, lovebirds, everywhere lovebirds...

2009-07-29T16:07:00.005-05:00

So after two recent engagement shoots, and a wedding, and a wedding hangover shoot, I am sufficed to say that love is in the air! Just check out these two for example. If you can't get enough of the mushy stuff, head on over to Red Barn Wedding Photography (Joyful Photography's sister...)and look around. Megan and I look forward to shooting this couple's wedding in October. Congrats again guys!

Lovebirds . . .

2009-07-22T10:02:00.005-05:00

J + C = ♥

These two were so darn sweet--and up for anything. We had a blast! Here are some of my favorites so far. Enjoy your sneak peek guys--more to come.

I am using a new photo stamp because these also are being posted over HERE and I thought I'd try it out!

Oh--and guess what! Today's my birthday! (dirty thirty--woot!) All I want from you is a comment or two--no wrapping paper needed. ♥

Sneak Peek for Miss B and Family...

2009-07-20T00:35:00.004-05:00

More to come! Enjoy some of these highlights from our time together...

and this is what they really thought about pictures that day!! Still love it though!

summer afternoon...

2009-07-13T15:39:00.004-05:00

Just a summer afternoon in our corner of the universe! I hope everyone is keeping cool.

Stay tuned for some more sneak peeks from some recent sessions--I've been a busy bee!

xo

So what could be cuter...

2009-07-10T22:17:00.003-05:00

than a three year old darling and a brand new little puppy?? Not much! Here are some photos to prove it. ♥

Enjoy your sneak peek Miss S and family! The rest is on its way...

I hope you had a wonderful birthday!